Now, you want to give this character really cool superpowers. However, you need to {{justif|iedTrope}}y it. So you say that it's a result of [[GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke genetic mutation]] caused by a FreakLabAccident.

However, could that really work? Let's say you want this character to be able to fly. But without wings, where would the propulsion come from? Let's say you want this character to be able to grow 100 times their size. [[ShapeshifterBaggage What about the law of conservation of matter?]] (Not to mention that even if it was possible, the person would probably [[SquareCubeLaw die from insufficient amounts of blood]].) Let's not even get started on creating fire out of thin air...

Many writers don't know (or [[WillingSuspensionOfDisbelief deliberately ignore]]) that genes are only responsible for protein synthesis. This is when said writers give genes the ability to alter the very laws of physics (or other universal laws) - or at least the ability to do things that would be impossible for a human. LegoGenetics is often involved, as well. Extra fail points if the writer ignores the [[RequiredSecondaryPower necessary secondary powers]] needed for the FunctionalMagic to actually be ''functional'', such as PhotographicMemory for VoluntaryShapeshifting etc.

If the writer wants to [[MohsScaleOfSciFiHardness firm up the science]], they might say that the genes merely construct nanoscale AppliedPhlebotinum in your cells which acts on "[[QuantumMechanicsCanDoAnything quantum forces not yet discovered]]" or some other HandWave, but it's still really FunctionalMagic given a [[DoingInTheWizard pseudoscience gloss-over]].

Some types of superpowers being caused by genetics are plausible. SuperStrength could be from extra muscle mass or more efficient contractile cells (but you still won't be strong enough to bend girders bare-handed), low-level SuperSpeed would be a snap as natural human neural impulses and reaction time are notoriously sluggish (slower than sound, in fact) and could easily be sped up by increasing conductivity, claws could be some sort of bone growth or modified keratin, and there are animals that use electricity as a weapon, can [[RubberMan stretch and distort their bodies]], or have a HealingFactor or SuperSenses. While you can't become an invisible man, chromatophores in the skin could give you super-camouflage. Etc.

Genetically-based PsychicPowers are automatically a subtrope of this, as are any WitchSpecies. Characters who are RandomlyGifted usually don't gain their powers from genetic sources, or in combination with other non-genetic factors.

A subtrope of ArtisticLicenseBiology, ArtMajorBiology and RequiredSecondaryPowers. See also SuperpowerfulGenetics, BioAugmentation.

In SuperHero stories, usually considered an AcceptableBreakFromReality due to RuleOfCool.

----!!Examples:

[[foldercontrol]]

[[folder:Comic Books]]* Most mutants in ''ComicBook/{{X-Men}}'' such as {{Storm}} have the ability to use physically impossible powers as a result of their mutation. [[DependingOnTheWriter Sometimes]], they all come from a mutation of ''a single gene''. Justified in-universe via experimentation on proto-humanity by a race of {{sufficiently advanced alien}}s. Comparable to how {{freak lab accident}}s can give normal humans superpowers in the Franchise/MarvelUniverse, the infamous "x-factor"/"mutant gene" serves to makes the activation of these powers a natural part of the mutant's biology.** The ''Galacta: Daughter of Galactus'' mini-series claims that the X-factor actually gives all mutants the same power: [[RealityWarper the ability to bend reality.]] [[RealityWarpingIsNotAToy None of them can consciously control this power]], so it manifests in different ways, giving the appearance of different mutant powers.* Certain villains in ''Franchise/SpiderMan'' also have these kinds of abilities. Spider-Man himself ''sort of'' doesn't count as he "does what ever a spider can..."* Attempted to be {{justified|Trope}} in ''ComicBook/UltimateFantasticFour'', at least with Mr. Fantastic and the Human Torch. Johnny's powers come from his nuclear fusion, using his body as an energy source. Reed is able to stretch and not crush his organs because all he has in the way of organs is a colony of symbiotic bacteria who take in food and air and give his body nutrition. Their origin is {{justified|Trope}} as well now too, as their powers are not from cosmic radiation anymore, but rather from swapping bodies with a double from another universe. He should just pray he'll never catch a disease that requires treatment with antibiotics...* The Meta-gene of Creator/DCComics. A single gene that provides every possible super-power. Various {{Human Alien}}s like Franchise/{{Superman}}, the ComicBook/{{Legion Of Super-Heroes}}, ComicBook/MartianManhunter, etc. also attribute their abilities to genetics-- [[LegoGenetics Transfer their DNA]] into a human, and that human becomes super-powered.* Wildstorm's Comicbook/TheAuthority has Apollo, genetically engineered to fly and fire solar blasts. The "gen-factor" of Gen13 and its spinoffs. [[Comicbook/WildCATS WildC.A.T.S.]] get their powers from [[HalfHumanHybrid alien DNA]].* In ''Comicbook/StrontiumDog'', Johnny's mother gets caught in a fallout shower while eight months pregnant with Johnny; as a result, Johnny's eyes mutate to be able to emit alpha particles, which gives him XRayVision and limited telepathy. Not only is this biologically impossible, but alpha particles do not work that way! In fairness, however, Johnny is an exception; 99.9% of the other mutants are just disfigured, with the lucky ones getting extra body parts.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Literature]]* A comprehensive list of {{Mutants}} who develop PsychicPowers in a [[AfterTheEnd post-nuclear setting]] could crash this server. * The ''Literature/MaximumRide'' series have children who are "genetically engineered" to have wings. And occasionally other NewPowersAsThePlotDemands. Weirdly, it is implied that the early powers that they spontaneously develop were also engineered into them, to help them fulfill their purpose to "save the world" or whatever. In ''The Final Warning'' though, Jeb comments that they seemed to be randomly mutating and developing powers on their own, which first manifests with Nudge getting ''magnetic control''.* ''Literature/SkulduggeryPleasant'' has magic running in families, to the extent at least one particular type from a particular set of ancestors apparently manifests 'in the blood' so to speak.* Literature/{{Deryni}} powers are genetic, though most Deryni must be trained in their use. The trait is described as a dominant one (only one parent needs to be Deryni to produce Deryni offspring, and eggs with the trait are hardier and more fertile). Certain bloodlines, including the Haldanes, also carry the variant trait that permits assumption of the powers and the knowledge to use them without training.* [[WordOfGod J.K. Rowling]] has stated that there was a Magic Gene involved in wizarding capabilities. This gene could also be present in other magical species. It can remain in a bloodline for generations before manifesting in muggleborns. The inverse is also the reason for squibs. This also doubles as HollywoodGenetics, since the gene is clearly defined as "dominant", but dominant genes cannot skip generations and squibs are much rarer than they should be. However since the gene itself is [[AWizardDidIt magic]], it can presumably do whatever it likes.** Dominant genes can skip generations. Assume "A" is the Wizard gene and is dominant. Assume "a" is the Muggle gene and recessive. Here is an example of four hypothetical couples. "AA" and "AA", "AA" and "Aa", "Aa" and "Aa", and "aa" and aa". The first couple could not produce a Muggle child without a Wizard gene from both parents becoming corrupted. The second could not unless one Wizard gene from the double dominant was corrupted. The third couple has a 1 in 4 chance of producing a child without the dominant gene. The fourth couple has a 0% chance (barring a sudden mutation) of producing a child with the dominant gene.*** The problem is not that wizards can have non-wizards, it's that those non-wizard children could then have wizard children. If a the wizard gene is dominant then anyone with an A gene will be a wizard, meaning non wizards are all "aa". That means two non-wizards having a child should not have an A gene to give the child, and thus the child should never have a chance of being a wizard, again baring mutation, but it's improbably that would occur often enough to justify all wizards out there born to non-wizards.* ''Literature/WildCards'', full stop. Apparently a virus containing psionic aliens' DNA can do anything.** Technically a case of AppliedPhlebotinum. The Ilkazam Enhancer (i.e. the Wild Card Virus) was biotechnology designed to bestow superhuman powers. Sometimes it even worked. * According to WordOfGod, Magyk in ''Literature/SeptimusHeap'' has a genetic basis, which is why Princess Jenna has no '''Magykal''' powers, unlike her adopted siblings. [[spoiler: Subverted when Jenna is made into a witch in ''Darke'']].* In [[Literature/GentlemanBastard the ''Gentleman Bastard''-series]], magic is inherited but "does not breed true". Genetics is barely a thing, let alone understood, in the setting, but the implication is that there is a large number of genes with very different and interacting expression mechanisms involved. Mages take genealogy seriously, but bristle at the idea of being bred like cattle, and at the time of the story ''five'' of the hundreds of mages that have lived in the past centuries had parents who were both mages.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Live Action TV]]* Nowhere on television is this trope in effect more than ''Series/{{Heroes}}''. Apparently everyone's power, from regeneration and invisibility, to clairvoyance and ''time travel'', are just a matter of having the right DNA.* ''Series/StargateSG1'' has a Goa'uld MadScientist mutating humans to give them PsychicPowers in order to create a super-host.* [[Series/StarTrekTheOriginalSeries Mr. Spock]]'s ability to mind-meld comes from his Vulcan genes.* All powers in ''Series/{{Mutant X}}'' come from genetic experiments conducted by Genomex and [[spoiler:the Dominion]]. These powers include generating electricity, density manipulation, throwing energy balls, time travel, etc.** Ditto for ''Series/PainkillerJane''. Yes, time travel included. Especially ridiculous since [[spoiler:all [[DifferentlyPoweredIndividual Neuros]] are rejected immortality experiments]].* ''Series/{{Bewitched}}'' seems to have this. Witches and warlocks are only born to other witches and warlocks, and Tabitha has strong powers, while Adam has powers, although weak.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Tabletop Games]]* TabletopGame/{{GURPS}} Bio-tech has a section on magical genetic engineering. Along with replicating scientific possibilities, it allows genengineering ability to cast any spell into a not-yet-born child. It is cheaper than making a ordinary magical item, but risks making a PhlebotinumRebel.** Otherwise, it tries hard to avert this trope. For example, [[WingedHumanoid angel-like wings]] can be genengineered, but don't give ability to fly in 1 G. They might be useful at lower gravity or in a space habitat, through.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Video Games]]* ''VideoGame/{{BioShock|1}}'' is '''made''' of this trope: The game establishes that in-game Plasmids and Gene Tonics work by rewriting their user's genetic code from scratch to allow for fantastic new skills...such as being able to summon fire, lightning, and worst of all, {{bee|BeeGun}}s from your hands.* A recurring theme in ''VideoGame/StarOceanTillTheEndOfTime''** Two words: Symbological Genetics. Tinkering with genes can give you magic powers.** ''VideoGame/StarOcean1'': The ClimaxBoss and FinalBoss were created through genetic engineering to survive a {{Mordor}} planet. There is also a species that naturally posesses magical genetics.** ''VideoGame/StarOceanTheSecondStory'': The main villains were a group of people who were granted god-like powers above the normal magic available to their species in order to take over the universe.** ''VideoGame/StarOceanTheLastHope'': Following WorldWarIII, three human babies were modified to survive in harsh and irradiated environments, and gained magical powers in the process. The DNA used to do this was taken from a human subspecies that also had magical genetics naturally.* Averted in ''Franchise/MassEffect''. Gene therapy is standard issue for soldiers and provided free for citizens by most governments, resulting in widespread perfect vision and hearing, robust immune systems, and a near elimination of genetic disorders in industrialized areas. Only modest physical enhancements are available however, with 8%-12% increases in adrenal response, clotting speed, and muscle retention etc. considered state of the art.* This was Deconstructed in ''VideoGame/TabulaRasa''. All player characters are Receptives, or people who have the right sort of genes to allow them to use [[FunctionalMagic Logos]]. However, this is only because those genes are the correct "password" to access Logos Shrines left by the [[BenevolentPrecursors Eloh]] and receive Logos Element information from them. It's essentially a security system the Eloh set up thousands of years ago by modifying some early humans to express those genes.** What's more, several quests in the game revealed that the AFS was conducting research into providing non-Receptives the same ability to use Logos. Volunteers met horrific ends, such as fast-growing terminal cancers.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Comics]]* Reasonably justified in ''Webcomic/{{Homestuck}}''. [[spoiler: The main characters aren't genetically related to humanity at all, and their DNA presumably could differ drastically from normal DNA in order to allow their powers. Trolls however play a little looser with DNA and there's at least one distinct sub-species of Troll, so there seems to be wider genetic variability to begin with for them]].[[/folder]]

[[folder:Web Original]]* Mutants in the Literature/WhateleyUniverse have genetic changes in a host of different genes, labeled the 'meta gene complex', and gain the ability to use some sort of extra-dimensional energy that's supposed to be the power source for the various impossible powers.[[/folder]]

[[folder:Western Animation]]* In ''WesternAnimation/DannyPhantom'', the titular character gained his abilities to become a ghost and use ghost powers after the ghost portal mutated his DNA, combining it with "[[LifeEnergy ectoplasm]]".* In ''WesternAnimation/StreetSharks'', somehow using [[SuperSerum a formula]] and [[MixAndMatchMan the blood of Genghis Khan]] turns a lobster and a marlin into huge evil mutant soldiers. Injecting the formula and animal DNA into a human turns them into non-evil mutants which are twice the size of their human forms, ''very'' top heavy, and [[ExtremeOmnivore able to eat virtually everything (including metal)]]. This one got to fly under RuleOfCool because the Street Sharks were {{totally|Radical}} [[UnusualEuphemism jawsome.]][[/folder]]